Funding boost for Castlebar Voluntary Social Services

THE HSE has confirmed that additional annual funding is being provided to expand Castlebar Voluntary Social Services.

In total, it will receive additional funding of €25,000 per annum through an increase in their Service Agreement with the HSE, which recognises the ongoing provision of the valuable range of services provided by the organisation.

These include providing services to the elderly such as meals on wheels and elderly outreach, as well as other services to the wider community including addiction support groups.

The chief officer of the local Community Healthcare Organisation will be in contact with the voluntary group to finalise the details in the coming days.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny commented: “This additional annual funding will assist in servicing a social investment loan that will allow for the expansion of their current building in Castle Street car park.

'The project will cost roughly €800,000. It is important to recognise this building is in community service since 1973 and it has no lift. Therefore, the elderly and most vulnerable people attending their elderly services are totally confined to one room on the ground floor area.

'To help alleviate this difficulty, they will be adding a section of new build to the old structure and this will include an elevator to service the whole community centre.”

“I understand there is an average footfall of 2,200 people per week currently using their building. The building at Castle Street car park is in serious need of renovation to upgrade their existing facilities.

'The organisation previously received National Lottery funding of €100,000 which was used to develop their kitchen and ground floor toilets area.

'I now look forward to the expansion of their building which will allow them to continue their excellent work around the Castlebar area and further afield well into the future.”